Fresh Out The Box

Haiti Needs Our Help

FlyandFocused@gmail.com (Phil) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:01:00 +0000

As you almost certainly know, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti on Tuesday. Tens of thousands of people or more are likely dead, and a third of the country's residents may need emergency aid.^1,2

As we watch images from the region, it's hard not to think of the shock and helplessness we felt after Hurricane Katrina when we watched the lives of large numbers of people, largely Black, torn apart by natural disaster, and in another poverty-stricken and neglected part of the world

In response to Katrina, ColorOfChange members stood up by the thousands to help. Today, we're asking you to consider doing so again. Partners in Health is one of several organizations doing good work, and we're confident that dollars contributed to them will go far in providing direct, immediate aid. Click the link below to get started:

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/13?akid=1323.622358.VVM_-2&t=4

Haiti was the world's first independent Black republic, and many of us feel a special pride in the country's origins. Haiti's former slaves took on Napoleon and declared their independence from France in 1804, decades before the U.S. and the rest of the Western Hemisphere would end slavery. In those years, the small island nation was seen as a thorn in the side of its neighbors in the Americas and Europe. With their act of defiance, Haitians proved that Black people could govern themselves at a time when leaders of the world's most powerful countries considered Africans and African descendants less than human.³

Since that revolutionary moment, the country's residents have often suffered. Haiti is the Western Hemisphere’s poorest nation, with four out of five people living in poverty even before disaster struck. More than 3,000 people died because of hurricanes and tropical storms in the last decade, and thousands more were left homeless.⁴

Tuesday's earthquake dealt the latest and most devastating blow for Haiti. The recovery will be long and hard. And like the Gulf, it will take a long-term commitment. The financial support we give today needs to be just the beginning, but it is a crucial start. Please consider giving what you can, either to Partners in Health or another organization that is providing critically-needed services.

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/13?akid=1323.622358.VVM_-2&t=6

Thanks and Peace,

-- James, Gabriel, William, Dani, Milton and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team
January 14, 2010

References

1. "Tens Of Thousands Feared Dead In Haiti Quake," The New York Times, 1-13-10
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/11?akid=1323.622358.VVM_-2&t=8

2. “Even Haiti’s president is homeless,” The Miami Herald, 1-13-10
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/7?akid=1323.622358.VVM_-2&t=10

3. "Saving Haiti," The Root, 1-13-10
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/8?akid=1323.622358.VVM_-2&t=12

4. "Haiti, Hopeful Yesterday, Suddenly Plunged Back Into Chaos," Newsweek blog, 1-13-10
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/9?akid=1323.622358.VVM_-2&t=14

Bill O'Reilly Attacks Michael Jackson's Memorial Coverage

FlyandFocused@gmail.com (Phil) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:24:00 +0000

If you haven't realized it by now, Bill O'Reilly can never keep his quiet and give due respect to a successful Black Man. I can say so much about this one, but Enough said!

The Pitfalls of the Native Bourgeoisie

FlyandFocused@gmail.com (Phil) — Fri, 15 May 2009 04:20:00 +0000

When it comes to the topic of post colonial nations, many are perplexed by the actions of the native bourgeoisie. Intellectuals have long recognized that native bourgeoisie, also known as the national middle class, have fundamental flaws. In his book, The Wretched of the Earth, Frantz Fanon in particular identifies the middle class, as a pseudo class that is in no way commensurate with the bourgeoisie of the mother country which it hopes to replace. Through an analysis of this native vs. colonial bourgeoisie power struggle presented by Fanon, it can be argued that the pitfalls of the native bourgeoisie are their parochial attempts to identify with the economic, educational and political standards of the colonial bourgeoisie.

Those unfamiliar with post colonial economies may be interested to know that the colonizers created an economic system that functioned to support the colonizing country, commonly known as the mother country. For example, the settler is concerned with the groundnut harvest, with the cocoa crop and the olive yield. Admittedly, this system exploits the indigenous peoples. However, once the colonizers abandoned the colonies, the native bourgeoisie with social capital continue the outmoded colonial methods instead of inventing a new system. Fanon agrees when he writes, "the psychology of the national bourgeoisie is that of the businessmen, not that of a Captain of Industry." Fanon's point is that the native bourgeoisie lack the innovative mentality that is abundant among the colonial bourgeoisie. This assertion is significant because it reveals that the national middle class fails to advance the national economy beyond colonial standards. However, this is not to say that the native businessmen lose profits, rather they mismanage their financial gains.

As an illustration, Fanon insists that,

"The enormous profits which it pockets, enormous if we take into account the national revenue, are never reinvested. The money-in-the stocking mentality is dominant in the psychology of these landed proprietors. Sometimes especially in the years following Independence, the bourgeoisie does not hesitate to invest in foreign banks the profits it makes out of its native soil. On the other hand large sums are spent on display: on cars, country houses, and all those things which have been described by economists as characterizing an underdeveloped bourgeoisie."

In making this comment, Fanon is insisting that the native bourgeoisie isolate their monetary gains from the nation and spend lavishly on non progressive commodities. What is more important is that these findings shed new light on the economic pitfalls of the national middle class.

With that said, let us now focus our attention on the educational pitfalls. At first glance, the native intellectuals appear to be properly educated to mobilize their nation. But on closer inspection it is clear that they misuse their mother country education. According to Fanon, "In an underdeveloped country an authentic national middle class ought to consider as it bounden duty to betray the calling fate has marked out for it, and put itself to school with the people." In other words, to put at the people's disposal the intellectual and technical capital that it has gained when going through colonial universities. Unfortunately, this is not the case in third world countries. For instance, an Algerian intellectual educated in France will send his children to French Universities and transfer his knowledge exclusively with his family. Furthermore, this pattern is continued by future generations. As a result, the populace remains uneducated while the intellectuals amass helpful knowledge. This is a clear pitfall because whereas the colonial bourgeoisie educate their countrymen to foster nationalism, the native bourgeoisie selfishly use their educations to deter nationalism.

Socially, the native bourgeoisie continue policies equally unsophisticated as their economic and educational tendencies. The national middle class have long assumed that a dictatorship is required to govern the people. The precursor to this thinking was created by the colonizers that ruled the natives by forceful dictatorship. To this end, the natives develop political parties to supervise the masses. The ruling party enlists the aid of the police and the military to hold the people and opposing parties in a constant state of fear. Fanon reminds us that "In these conditions, you may be sure, the party is unchallenged and 99.99% of the votes are cast for the government candidate." Moreover, he observes that,

All the opposition parties, which are usually progressive and would therefore tend to work for the greater influence of the public matters, and who desire that the proud, money-making bourgeoisie should be brought to heel, have been by dint of baton charges and prisons condemned first to silence and the clandestine existence.

Fanon's point is that the self-indulgent political parties spearheaded by native bourgeoisie subjugate the progressive masses to social paralysis. However, some may question how this is a pitfall of the national middle class?

Anyone familiar with the peaceful transfer of political power in the mother countries should see that, in contrast, the third world countries are akin to violent coup d'états. Accordingly, it is the dictatorships supported by the national bourgeoisie that give rise to the violent transfer political power. This is a pitfall because the progression of country is slowed by each uprising indirectly caused by the oppressive political parties.

With that point as an example, this discussion of native bourgeoisie's short comings is in fact addressing the larger matter of post colonial nations. What is more important is the illustrious examples from Fanon's, The Wretched of the Earth, add weight to the argument that the pitfalls of the national bourgeoisie are their economic, educational, and political actions that remain tendentious to colonial standards. Ultimately, the obsolete colonial leftovers are badly maintained by the native bourgeoisie.

Final Designs Hours

FlyandFocused@gmail.com (Phil) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 02:39:00 +0000

Judgment day is scheduled for 8:00AM tomorrow morning and the group is working diligently to complete final tests. With regards to the robot and the program, everything is complete. The robot moves forward, left, and right. The back function works but due to motor failures, it momentarily moves back then starts spinning in circles since one motor dies out. The light sensors are fully functional and calibrated to meet search and rescue standards. Out last issue that is close to being out of our reach is the arm mechanism.

The joystick successfully moves the arm but the arm does does not fully rotate 360 degrees. We have concluded that the problem is the motor strength, not the arm design. To solve the problem, the group is working with a number of different solutions.

Ultimately, we are confident in our design. The Robot will be ready for tomorrow!

ColorOfChange.org Takes Strong Stance Against New York Post Cartoon

FlyandFocused@gmail.com (Phil) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 06:36:00 +0000

Fellow members of the younger Black generation,

Last week, the day after President Obama signed his stimulus bill into law, the NY Post ran a cartoon depicting the bill's "author" as a dead monkey, covered in blood after being shot by police. You can see the image by clicking on the link below.

In the face of intense criticism, the Post's editor is standing by the cartoon, claiming that it's not about Obama, has no racial undertones, and that it was simply referencing a recent incident when police shot a pet chimpanzee. But it's impossible to believe that any newspaper editor could be ignorant enough to not understand how this cartoon evokes a history of racist symbolism, or how frightening this image feels at a time when death threats against President Obama have been on the rise.

Please join me and other ColorOfChange.org members in demanding that the Post apologize publicly and fire the editor who allowed this cartoon to go to print:

http://www.colorofchange.org/nypost/?id=2191-865505

The Post would have us believe that the cartoon is not about Obama. But on the page just before the cartoon appears, there's a big picture of Obama signing the stimulus bill. A reader paging through the Post would see Obama putting pen to paper, then turn the page to see this violent cartoon. The imagery is chilling.

There is a clear history in our country of racist symbolism that depicts Black people as apes or monkeys, and it came up multiple times during the presidential campaign.

We're also in a time of increased race-based violence. In the months following President Obama's election there has been a nationwide surge in hate crimes ranging from vandalism to assaults to arson on Black churches. There has been an unprecedented number of threats against President Obama since he was elected, with hate-based groups fantasizing about the killing of the president. Just a week ago, a man drove from Louisiana to the Capitol with a rifle, telling the police who stopped him that he had a "delivery" for the president.

There is no excuse for the Post to have allowed this cartoon to be printed, and even less for Editor Col Allan's outright dismissal of legitimate concerns.

But let's be clear who's behind the Post: Rupert Murdoch. Murdoch, the Post's owner, is the man behind FOX News Channel. FOX has continually attacked and denigrated Black people, politicians, institutions at every opportunity, and ColorOfChange has run several campaigns to make clear how FOX poisons public debate.

I don't expect much from Murdoch. However, with enough public pressure, we can set the stage for advertisers and subscribers to think long and hard before patronizing outlets like the Post that refuse to be held accountable.

You can help, by making clear that the Post's behavior is unacceptable, and by asking your friends and family to do the same. Please join me:

http://www.colorofchange.org/nypost/?id=2191-865505

Be the Change

Black History Month: From Blogging to Civil Rights

FlyandFocused@gmail.com (Phil) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 05:41:00 +0000

For more than eight decades, African Americans have recognized Black History annually. This celebration of a rich heritage originated in 1926 as Carter G. Woodson's Negro History Week and later developed into Black History Month. Documenting black history as it is created daily, African American historians publish numerous volumes pertaining to the significant leaders from Civil Rights Movement and their contributions to African American society. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Huey P. Newton, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, and Malcolm X are among the many leaders that are recognized by historians for their lasting contributions to the African American community. The past leaders are significant because their civil rights involvement set the precedent for modern egalitarian initiatives. As modern day black history rapidly expands-the election of President Barack Obama a case in point-historians will have to include courageous black bloggers among the future African American Civil Rights Leaders.

Classic civil rights activists used to think that citizens should be out in streets to advocate for justice. But recently, (or within the past few years) black bloggers suggest that civil rights activists can accomplish their goals via online communities.

On August 2nd, 2007, the Afrosphere Bloggers Association was launched as an organization to help the black community grow and prosper. Today, there are over 1500 black bloggers in the Afrosphere. The concept of the Afrosphere started when members of the African Diaspora emphasized a need for an online community for bloggers of African descent to further discuss issues of importance to the African Diaspora in a collective manner. Concerned bloggers, including AfroNetizen, African American Political Pundit, Jack and Jill Politics, Black Commentator, Booker Rising, Prometheus 6, Mirror on America and Francis Holland, were on the forefront of the initiative to include black bloggers into the majority of blogosphere discussions on all issues impacting Americans.

Along the same lines as these candid bloggers, three women and three men created a diasporic-wide think tank type blog dedicated to discussing issues, exchanging ideas, and creating strategies with the objective of developing concrete and viable solutions to tackle the worldwide concerns relating to those of African descent.

At this point in time, Afrosphere bloggers are actively engaged in the work of their initial vision to discuss all issues impacting those of African descent. In 2007, Afrosphere bloggers played a significant role in publicizing and organizing activism in response to the 2006 Jena Six case. The issue was whether a group of six black teenagers charged with the beating of Justin Barker, a white student at Jena High School in Jena, Louisiana, should be tried as adults and charged with attempted second degree murder. Barker was injured, but was released from the emergency room the same day. A number of events took place in and around Jena in the months preceding the Barker assault, which have been linked to an alleged escalation of racial tensions. These events included the hanging of nooses from a tree in the high school courtyard, two violent confrontations between white and black students, and the destruction by fire of the main building of Jena High School. The event led to numerous rallies and protest in response to the excessive charges. Protesters argued that the charges were racially discriminatory since the white Jena students involved were treated leniently. Not surprising to some, the case did not receive mainstream media coverage when the incident first occurred. However, through the organized efforts of modern civil rights activists-black bloggers-cries for justice compelled an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 citizens to march on Jena in protest. This is pivotal for Black History because the new methods of online podcasting and social networking allow black bloggers to relay the civil rights issue to a larger mass of Americans.

The Afrosphere blogging community continues to expand its online influence as additional African Americans gain access to computers and join the information revolution. In 2008, black bloggers Att. Francis L. Holland and Yobachi Boswell broke the story of the Democratic National Convention's limited inclusion of Black and Latino bloggers; only two blacks and two Latinos were given media credentials to cover the convention. This discovery had signifigant consequences because the democratic party is 30 percent black but the convention blog roll had less than 10 percent listed as black bloggers .The story first reached the Dallas Morning News, and then the Atlanta Journal Constitution. The Washington Post, USA Today, The Chicago Tribune, The San Francisco Chronicle, and Politico joined the story as news progressed overnight. As a result of the pressure from black bloggers and pernicious publicity from the National Media, the DNC extended credentials to ten black bloggers.

These findings have important implications for the broader field of Black History. What once started in 1926 as Negro History week has become a daily impetus that continues to impact African Americans beyond the month of February. The civil rights leaders of the past laid a sturdy foundation for African Americans to build upon. For instance, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lead the march on Washington; the NAACP organized the Montgomery Bus Boycott; the Black Panther Party spearheaded the free lunch program in schools and were the first to test blacks for sickle cell; and the Nation of Islam created an uplifiting message that appealed to blacks and extended to others around the world. Ultimately, 21st Century Americans are witnessing similar events whereas the civil rights leaders have evolved from organized picket lines into unified blogging coalitions.

Bill O'Reilly Comments on "My President is Black" by Jay-Z and Young Jeezy

FlyandFocused@gmail.com (Phil) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 04:53:00 +0000

In recent discussion of the song, "My President", a controversial issue has been whether rappers Young Jeezy and Jay-Z were unpatriotic and divisive by celebrating a black president. The controversy surfaced during an unofficial Inaugural ball at a DC club where the two rappers performed the song "My President" in honor of President Obama. According to some spectators, the song included unfriendly comments directed towards former President Bush and comments that referenced skin color. Immediately following the incident, Bill O'Reilly jumped in, calling the performance, "a rant that offended people". During an interview with MTV, Jeezy responded, "I felt it was necessary. I never ever paid attention to any election. Not really into politics or anything like that. It never benefited us. This time around, it's not a black-or-white thing — you got somebody in there for us that's well-spoken and gonna handle their business. I just wanted to do my part and let them know we need change, we need help, it's rough out there."

My own view is that although the rappers crossed the already narrow race line, I am not surprised by their actions because rappers are infamous for explicitly expressing their thoughts. I am not saying that what they did was right but I am cognizant of the notion that rappers have explicit labels on their albums because they never sugarcoat sh**.
Here are both videos.

The Fulfillment of Hope

FlyandFocused@gmail.com (Phil) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 21:27:00 +0000

On most days, I wake up, attend class, eat food, socialize with friends, and fall asleep in the library. Tuesday January 20^st, 2009 would be different. This Tuesday was the inauguration of the 44^th President of the United States, Barack Obama. Now there are some clear reasons for the significance of this event. Some may point to the racial implications; others will point to the exit of former President George W. Bush. My own view however points to the generational importance.

Not too long ago, Barack Obama humbly appeared on the national stage unknown to the average American. Over the course of his historic rise to power, his message of change became clearer, more refined whereas one might label him as having the audacity to hope for a better future. It should not be ironic for he chose this as the title of his New York Times Bestseller, "The Audacity of Hope". Fast forward to January 20^st and it is apparent that this same audacity launched President Obama on the political arena has spread like wild fire throughout the American populace. The two million D.C. spectators that attended the inaugural are case in point. So where am I going with all this?

By focusing on President Obama's past message along with his new inaugural address, this perspective will become clearer. If one recalls, I stated that the ultimate affect that President Obama's success had on me was the generational implications. In his inaugural address, President Obama states that, "And yet, at this moment- a moment that will define a generation- it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all". In plain terms, President Obama is basically saying that this current state of America will define a generation and a spirit of hope must inhabit all Americans. Of course, many will probably wonder what generation is he speaking of. Nevertheless, I argue it is our generation-those born between and including the years 1983 and 1990.

I say it is our generation because President Obama can only do so much in the few years one is allowed to serve as President. In reality, while he has introduced the audacity of hope, it will ultimately be our generation-those between the ages of 18 and 25- that will reap the fruits of the fulfillment of hope. Too philosophical for you?

Here is a less profound approach for my fellow factual types. Consider for instance, President Obama's consistent supporters throughout his political campaign; 18-25 year olds. With that in mind, jump 25 years ahead and those same 18-25 year olds that elected President Obama in 2008 will be the 43-50 years olds entering the zeniths of their professional careers. This is significant because they will finally be at the age where they can successfully execute the ideals that so strongly compelled them to support President Obama. Yet what about the generation that is scheduled to take over once President Obama leave office either in 2012 or 2016. I argue that this generation will not be as significant because they were dichotomized when considering who to elect in 2008. In other words, I argue that their differences have clouded their foresight.

The clichéd saying goes "you can't teach an old dog new tricks". In the event of our generation, we have a plethora of new tricks, including facebooking, blogging, i-chatting and hoping. These along with the professional aspects of our generation have yet to reach their full extents. As a result, it will take 25 years for the generation that elected the President who had the audacity to introduce hope, to ultimately, fulfill this monumental hope.

A New Nationalism

FlyandFocused@gmail.com (Phil) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:50:00 +0000

As I sit here with my friends, on the third Monday of the month in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday-one day prior to the inauguration of America's first Black President- I find it difficult to fully explain the extent of my joy. Forty years have passed since the loss of the great Dr. King and the discussion of skin color remained a contentious issue up until the 2008 election. Accordingly, I am cognizant of the difficulties that face Americans in the years ahead but I acknowledge these difficulties with a new air of optimism. We have begun to emerge on a national arena where the ideas or imperatives of both White and Black Americans can consolidate into a universal national initiative. This initiative includes, but is not limited to, rejuvenating the economy, finding innovative sources of energy, transparency within the government, and a better foreign relations policy. In other words, I am saying that we are witnessing a new stage of nationalism in America. Moreover, this is not to be confused with patriotism; I'll address their differences in a later post. Better yet, I'll end this conversation here and follow up after the inauguration. Feel free to weigh in and give your perspective of this historic moment.

Afrosphere Bloggers Urge End to Israel Attacks on Gaza Strip

FlyandFocused@gmail.com (Phil) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 23:12:00 +0000

For Immediate Release

Contact: Atty. Francis L. Holland
AfroSpear Member
http://francislholland.blogspot.com
http://democratic-afrosphere.blogspot.com
55 (73) 9992-4127

Afrosphere Bloggers Urge Israel To
End Attacks On the Gaza Strip

It's being reported all over the world that Israel, with US support, is dropping white phosphorous bombs on the Gaza Strip - the same kind of incendiary skin-burning cluster bombs that Israel previously used in Lebanon and that the US used in Falujah, Iraq. African American Political Pundit attacks "the slaughter of children and women in Gaza", while Jack and Jill Politics says, referring to Israel,

We could solve a lot of things if we did one thing: cut off the funding to our 51st State. Then, maybe they’d be in the mood to listen to reason.

The Afrosphere's Black Agenda Report says,

Israel's aerial blitzkrieg and long-standing blockade of 1.5 million people is a crime against humanity for which its sponsor and champion, the United States, is equally guilty.

The Black Politics on the Web Afrosphere blogs says,

Israel has launched the deadliest bombing campaign against Palestinians in decades . . .

The outrages of Israel in Gaza are well-documented.

Human Rights Watch said Sunday that Israel's military has fired artillery shells with the incendiary agent white phosphorus into Gaza and a doctor there said the chemical was suspected in the case of 10 burn victims who had skin peeling off their faces and bodies.

( . . . )
Israel used white phosphorus in its 34-day war with Hezbollah in Lebanon in 2006. The U.S. military in Iraq used the incendiary during a November 2004 operation against insurgents in the city of Fallujah.

An AP photographer and a TV crew based in Gaza visited Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis on Sunday and recorded images of several burn patients. Yahoo News via Associated Press

The national newspaper O Globo from Brasilia reports that:

The United States is contracting a merchant ship to carry hundreds of tons of arms from Greece to Israel this month, according to documents divulged two nights ago, that cite dangerous materials, such as explosives and detonators . . .The Pentagon denied that these arms are related to the current Israeli offensive in Gaza.

The request for arms was made [by Israel] on December 31 (the offensive began on December 27) so that the first shipment would arrive before the 25th of January and the second before the end of this month. The shipment is to be effectuated by a German transporter, which would not reply to questions. The ship orginated in North Carolina and the documents stipulate that the ship must be capable of carrying 2.6 million kilos [5.2 million pounds] of explosive liquid.

President George W. Bush's position on Israel's offensive has been that "Israel has the right to defend itself." The President of "change", Barack Obama, has so far changed nothing in terms of the US's unbridled support for Israels military incursions into the Gaza Strip:

President-Elect Barack Obama has stayed largely silent concerning the conflict in Gaza. Whether any "change" in the American stance towards the Palestinians and Israelis begins under his administration is still highly unlikely. He himself has repeated the apologist and open-ended statement that Israel has the right to defend itself, yet the American's do not have the political will to define exactly what that entails.
At the moment Israel interprets it to mean that they can take military action, whenever, wherever and by whichever means they find suitable. Obama should help to craft some tangible guidelines for what "the defense of Israel" actually means if he hopes to make any leeway with the Arab and Muslim world. Real Clear World Blog

The United States has got to change its policy toward Israel, stop providing munitions for the complete destruction of Lebanon and now the Gaza Strip, and make it clear to Israel that there are strict limits to the US public's willingness to see Israel cluster-bomb its neighbors in the name of self-defense.

In fact, based on the US provision of intelligence and munitions to Israel on an annual basis and specifically during this war, I believe that Israel is enthusiastically doing America's bidding. It's got to stop, before seemingly powerless Palestinians turn their attacks outside the Israel/Palestinian conflict and begin killing Jews and Americans at random wherever they find us.

I am disgusted and furious over Israel's apparent determination to annihilate Palestine, and I am equally disgusted that our incoming "change" president seems no different from George W. Bush in his tacit support for Israeli outrages.

What's the purpose of the urgent US shipment of explosives to Israel? It makes the United States complicit in and supportive of the destruction of Palestine, and this has got to stop. President-elect Obama has got to stop parroting the US's pro-Israel party line with respect to this conflict, or he will fail to bridge the animosities of the past and merely preside over them, as have presidents of the Democratic and Republic parties of previous generations.

As Aaron David Miller said in Newsweek recently,

Don't get me wrong. Barack Obama—as every other U.S. president before him—will protect the special relationship with Israel. But the days of America's exclusive ties to Israel may be coming to an end. Despite efforts to sound reassuring during the campaign, the new administration will have to be tough, much tougher than either Bill Clinton or George W. Bush were, if it's serious about Arab-Israeli peacemaking. Newsweek

I am not anti-Semitic and I am not anti-American. It is not anti-Semitic or anti-American to demand that Israel stay within its national borders and stop dropping white phosphorous and other vile explosives on Palestine, with the support of the US Government.

Contact: Atty. Francis L. Holland
AfroSpear Member
http://francislholland.blogspot.com
http://democratic-afrosphere.blogspot.com
55 (73) 9992-4127

References:

http://news.search.yahoo.com/news/search?p=white+phosphorus

http://africanamericanpoliticalpundit.com/frontPage.do;jsessionid=6D2FE1A53CD78EFD777F1D978068C8E4

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1106542/Gazas-darkest-day-40-die-Israel-bombs-safe-haven-UN-school.html

http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2008/12/our-51st-state-gaza/

http://www.blackagendareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=956&Itemid=1

http://blackpoliticsontheweb.com/2008/12/30/former-ga-congresswoman-cynthia-mckinney-travels-with-gaza-protest-boat-into-lebanon/

http://oglobo.globo.com/pais/noblat/post.asp?t=eua-levam-armas-israel-em-meio-crise&cod_post=152686

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/05/bush-on-gaza-fighting-isr_n_155282.html?page=8

http://www.newsweek.com/id/177716

Young Talent

FlyandFocused@gmail.com (Phil) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 06:40:00 +0000

I have to recognize that this young brother has skills. Check his work out at Thelonious Thoughts.

First Post of 2009

FlyandFocused@gmail.com (Phil) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 05:38:00 +0000

Bonjour, 2009 is here and with it comes a new swagger. For starters, allow me to give a brief history of the blog. The concept of Fresh out the Box originated when I was approached by a close mentor, Francis L. Holland, during my junior year of High School. At the time, the idea of blogging seemed foreign to me but when Frank suggested I give it a try, it was hard to say no. My very first post was a history essay from class, in which I argued why black history should be extended beyond Black History Month. I have to admit that although my writing skills were not as refined as they are now, the very act of posting my work on a blog was a great feeling. That first essay set the tone for what Fresh out the Box would stand for in future posts.

Accordingly, it is 2009 and there have been many posts since the blog first started. I added some fun lists to blog and included links to the great Afrospear blogging group. In this New Year, my goal is bring Fresh Out the Box to a new level that is consistent with the ultimate goal that I once had for the blog-Addressing Societal Issues Through the Eyes Of the Younger Black Generation. Specifically, I am speaking of a stronger focus on the quotidian African American issues that readers can identify with. This is not to say that I look to single other groups out, but it is to say that I stride to raise awareness for issues that I can indemnify with as a young black man.

To put it bluntly, with President Obama in office, I believe more than ever that it is a great period of time to change the swagger and sincerely address African American issues. It is a new vibe so feel free to weigh in with what you plan to change in this New Year.

Demystifing the Hip Hop Culture

FlyandFocused@gmail.com (Phil) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:03:00 +0000

When I was a child, I used to think that hip hop artists were the coolest role models. My list of rappers I admired included the Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur to say the least. Although none of them have said so directly, present hip hop fans continue to fall victim to the same lures of fame and fortune that once swayed me during my childhood. The current issue is that whereas some are convinced that hip hop is unified culture, others maintain that it is a dead beat. In the purview of my knowledge of hip hop, I will not comment on the comment of the misogynistic and materialistic issues of hip hop that were covered during Wednesday's HUM debate. Instead I look to unobtrusively analyze and investigate the greater debate, is hip hop is truly a culture.

To put it bluntly, the underlying answer to this question lies with the universal consensus of what define a culture. According to definition, a culture is a community or group that is civilized, has set of learned beliefs, values and behaviors that are a way of life shared by the members of a society. In other words, a culture is a structured entity with members that share a common way life. To take case in point, hip hop boasts a unique way of life surrounded by struggle that has thrived in urban communities for over two decades. By this assertion alone, one may be tempted ask is that not enough to be considered a culture. Well, the truth is simple; no.

Though I concede that the unique way of life adds merit to the answer, much is still left to be investigated. A sober analysis of the hip hop culture reveals that it contains five elements. Not to be confused with the student organization, Five Elements, even though they are based on these key principles. The initial five elements of hip hop were the Rapper, DJ, B-boy Graffiti Artist and the forgotten element, knowledge. What is more important is that these finding were mostly conveyed through word of mouth until they were formally defined by the Zulu Nation, the first hip hop activist group.

Having just presented to underlying components of hip hop, let us now turn our attention back to the question of their role in the hip hop culture. Anyone familiar with hip hop should see that these five elements make up foundation of the hip hop society that thrives today. For example, each element shared the common motive of turning the struggles of the community into positives. The rappers created positive impact using words, DJ's hosted the events that brought communities together, B-Boys gave kids that would be otherwise causing trouble, a outlet to fight using dance moves, graffiti artists used buildings in their communities canvases to express the overall emotions around them, and the knowledge set the standard for the unified beliefs that continues to thrive in the 21st century.

What this investigation does then, is correct the mistaken impression, held by many onlookers, that hip hop is not a vibrant culture. Clearly the notion that hip hop is not a culture is debunked because these findings prove that rappers alone could not have taken hip hop further to create the multi-billion dollar market that we buy into today.

Furthermore, hip hop spans far beyond the basic examples that are presented here. As an illustration, different styles of clothing have been created, an elaborate language has emerged and many of the culture's top professionals are respected throughout the world. "Impossible" you say. "Your evidence must be skewed." Well, if hip hop were not a complex, constantly growing culture, its teachings would not have transcended the urban communities and venture across the world into the UK, Japan, and many other countries with members that promulgate its influence.

While I admit that the debate over the current state of hip hop continuous to be a contentious issue, this is not to say that everyone is apathetic. For example, organizations like the Hip-Hop Summit, run by Russell Simmons and Dr. Benjamin Chavis Muhammad, continue remind us of our rich heritage by working with leading artists towards unity to ensure progress and stability.

This understanding of hip hop in a different light should not be something new. I encourage follows of hip hop to delve deeper into discussion and understand the antecedents that truly make hip hop a culture. At the end of the day, the hip hop culture is only getting larger and it is difficult to undermine its influence around the world.

The Debunked College Experience

FlyandFocused@gmail.com (Phil) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:08:00 +0000

The standard way of thinking about college has it that students enroll to get a degree and learn to be independent. You would think that this idea resonates in every college student today but unfortunately that is not the case. A number of college support groups have recently suggested that some college students face several fundamental problems.

For example, Consumeraffairs.com observes, a fundamental problem is that freshman students get an "F" in personal finance. Although I should know better by now, I agree with that statement because my experience confirms it. It only been eight days since I arrived at Stevens and I caught myself falling into the proclivities of the freshman consumer base. Whereas I was able to identify this problem before things got out of control, the same cannot be said for the majority of college students that like to entertain their impulsive spending habits. Of course, many will probably label me frugal but I argue that regardless of financial situation, it is wiser to budget vs. spending impulsively. In other words, you can get your Starbucks fix twice a day but just make sure you set aside specific funds to entertain your habit.

Along the same lines of financial management, the whole growing up idea is a bit debunked. When I asked some college students if they felt they are growing up, the majority of replies were the opposite, no. One student put bluntly that college is almost like an extension of high school. At first glance, students appear to be mature and independent. But only closer inspection, classes have become easier, professors are less strict, and RA's make dorms feel like a playground. Consequently, college students have less responsibilities and freshman year has the appeal of being 13th grade.

As Charles Murray of Forbes magazine puts it, "Once upon a time college was a halfway house for practicing how to be a grown-up. Students couldn't count on the dean of students to make allowances for adolescent misbehavior. If they wanted to avoid getting kicked out, they had to weigh the potential consequences of their actions, just as in adult life. The student-teacher relationship was more distant and less nurturing than in high school, and more like the employee-supervisor relationship awaiting them after graduation. Students had to accept that they no longer got hugs for trying hard. If they didn't get the job done, they were flunked with as little ceremony as they would be fired by an employer. This apprenticeship in adulthood has been gutted." What Murray means by this is that when he attended college, it was less fuzzy and warm.

Here many students may want to dispute the claim that college has become a joke. In response, I add that not all colleges are tendentious to this view. What is more important is that there is a benefit from college. For instance, anyone familiar with the college experience will tell you that networking is the key to success. One student believes that "college only useful for networking". Admittedly this view may be a bit parochial, but if you talk with different people and get involved, history shows that you will go far.

So with all this said, what advice does a parent give to their child in college? To put it succinctly, if parents want their kids to be properly equipped, I recommend they prepare them to get wasted, only attend class to get by, and spend all their money. Ultimately, it should come as no surprise when we reach the day my college degrees will be up for sale on Ebay. Until that day comes, I will continue to give a "sober” analysis of the matters involving college students.

Obama Wins The Democratic Nomination

FlyandFocused@gmail.com (Phil) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:10:00 +0000

This is Historic

The Necessary Endorsement

FlyandFocused@gmail.com (Phil) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:43:00 +0000

In recent news, Rep. Jame E. Clyburn of South Carolina, endorsed presidential candidate Barack Obama on NBC's "today show". Clyburn is the highest ranking African American and the third-ranking democrat in Congress. In his own words, Clyburn said, "Today the [primary] process ends, And I hope that enough of us will announce our intentions today so that this evening our candidate, our presumptive nominee, can get to 2,118." Basically Clyburn is saying that Barack Obama should the official nominee after today's primaries.

In discussion of Clyburns endorsement, a controversial question is whether his endorsement was necessary. On the one hand, some might argue that Clyburn's endorsement is meaningless because he waited until the nominee was clinched to publicly support Obama. On the other hand, others contend that since there is no deadlock between Clinton and Obama, it seems perfectly fine for Clyburn to go ahead. My own view is that Clyburn's endorsement was necessary because it creates good political posture for other super delegates to follow.

Those that argue Clyber's endorsement has no impact overlook the fact that he is the House Majority Whip which makes him third ranked only behind Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. In essence, the majority whip is responsible for ensuring that party members vote along party lines for major legislation. An endorsement from the House majority whip is a great scenario for any presidential nominee because the whip has a strong influence that can rally party members together.

What is more important is that, Clyburn was unanimously elected Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, and won a coveted seat on the powerful Appropriations Committee. In 2002, he ascended to Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, and to Caucus Chair in 2006. Clyburn's leadership in the Congressional Black Caucus is significant because he gives the final stamp of approval that Obama is cool with the "Old Heads", or in other words, the older African American congressmen. According to Clyburn, Obama "is elevating the political rhetoric, he's elevating our party, He is bringing to the process new voters, young voters, elder voters. People who are in thirst of a new vision for our country."

Ultimately, the endorsement of Rep. Jame E. Clyburn is a signal that the democratic party is ready to unite behind a single presidential nominee. With both the old and young generations of African Americans rallying behind Brack Obama, it makes a perfect segue for the candidate to make his acceptance speech on the 45th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's "I have a dream Speech".

The DNC Advocates Transparency but Convention Bloggers are Chosen Behind Closed Doors

FlyandFocused@gmail.com (Phil) — Wed, 28 May 2008 11:25:00 +0000

"There is nothing 'Democratic' about an all-white Democratic National Convention floor blogging corps" - Francis L. Holland

Read the Washington Post Coverage:
"Democrats' Convention Pool: Is it all wet?"

From USA Today

See the USA Today coverage.

LA Times Reports DNC Jim Crow Blogging Corps.

Read the media story here and at African American Political Pundit.

Dallas Morning News on DNC Jim Crow Blogs Corps.

20/20 Hindsight

FlyandFocused@gmail.com (Phil) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:25:00 +0000

In the recent media craze over Geraldine Ferror's racial accusations, former Governor Spitzer's indecent act, and Reverend Jeremiah Wright's "fiery"comments, American's have been pulled in every direction. The mass media has blogged us down with 360 coverage of these pitty issues that are not solving problems for Americans. The mass media no longer leaves room for the common viewer to form an educated opinion on the issues of substance. Why are we allowing prostitutes to get prime time coverage while citizens are suffering from job loss? Similar to Govonor Spitzer, Reverend Wright has quickly become the media's punching bag. I recorded today that each major news Chanel aired his controversial comments at least two times within one hour. This extensive media coverage has only acted as a catalyst in the unpopular color discussion. Last week, Senator Hillary Clinton was spared the color discussion by quickly denouncing Ferror but now the focus has shifted to Senator Barack Obama.

The American people, fueled by the media surge, placed Senator Obama in an unfavorable position. He was asked today to abandon his religious morals and dis associate himself with a person he has built a great bond with. Unfortunately for critics, Senator Obama proved to be a human. Unlike Senators McCain and Clinton, Barack Obama did not turn his back on a friend just so he could be the Presidential Nominee. Instead, he spoke out against the comments while still acknowledging the reverends good morals. It takes a true leader to be able to act in such a way without degrading someones character.

In attempt to corner Senator Obama, the media has unintentionally aided him. Through the issue of Reverend Wright, Senator Obama was given the chance to tackle the even greater issue of race. Toady, he revealed another one of his Presidential qualities, 20/20 Hindsight.

The ability to have 20/20 hindsight is a rare quality that was shared by the founding fathers along with other great leaders of this nation. Consider President Abraham Lincoln, during the Civil War he suspended Habeas corpus in response to race riots in New York. While this was a constitutional right, he had the ability to look ahead and realize that this would only help the war effort. Just as people are criticizing Senator Obama, President Lincoln faced numerous critics that said he made a bad decision. Ask yourself how many critics are honored for criticizing people and how many parents tell their children that XYZ has their own statue for criticizing President Lincoln. In truth, critics don't get their own statues, monuments are only built for visionaries.

In his speech today, Senator Obama made it clear that he was tired of playing games and ready to transcend discussions of skin color. AP called his speech, "the most racially pointed speech yet of his presidential campaign", I disagree. Barack Obama's speech today that focused on race, unity, and the future, was his most inspiring speech for all Americans.

In the Polls We Trust

FlyandFocused@gmail.com (Phil) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 22:26:00 +0000

While I was on Zogby.com, I happened to notice that the polls have been updated. The new polls show that the democratic "front runner" Senator Hillary Clinton is losing ground against the republicans. This update is alarming because the polls show that she even loses to Fred Thomson, who in my opinion has been running a sloppy campaign. The last Zogby poll took place back in July and during that time it showed Senator Clinton ahead of each candidate. Correct me if I'm wrong but has she really made any mistakes during the time between August and November?
But wait, that is not the only thing that has me raising a red flag. Ironically, the polls still show that Hillary wins against the other democratic candidates but those candidates like Senator Obama and Edwards, win when put up against the republicans. So what is exactly is going on here? The polls are actually showing me that democrats want Hillary but she has no chance against the republicans and, Americans would rather see Barack Obama and John Edwards over the republicans. Given that information I have come to the conclusion that we can no longer rely on the polls.

Through out my years of school, math has been one of my favorite subjects. If there is one thing I learned from math is notion that numbers do not lie, or at least thats what I was taught to think.

Zogby Polls Here

Are HBCU's good or bad for African American Youth?

FlyandFocused@gmail.com (Phil) — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 18:37:00 +0000

Recently, U.S. News and World Report did a special ranking of historically Black colleges. The top tier universities listed were Spelman, Howard, Hampton and Morehouse. The colleges listed are truly important because they are responsible for producing a successful image for African-Americans. I interpret this recent article as beneficial to African- Americans because it breaks numerous stereotypes all across the board.. Contrary to the lazy and drop out stereotypes, students who attend the HBCU’s listed and those not listed, are motivated students who value education. It has taken some time but these students are finally receiving the national credit they deserve by ranking them among the top 100 schools across the country. This first step shows that the top predominantly black schools are just as good or better than the top predominantly white schools. I can only hope that the media reveals more in terms of the future of educated African Americans in this count

Click below to see the full list

Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Top Schools

The State of Teenagers

FlyandFocused@gmail.com (Phil) — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 18:22:00 +0000

The many stereotypes that are commonly tied to teens are: Drug Users, spoiled, rebellious, idiotic, wild, and sex crazed. These stereotypes are reinforced through media conditioning which causes some teens to embrace them. For example, MTV’s hit show “My super Sweet Sixteen” includes snotty rich kids who throw extravagant parties and treat everyone around them like dirt. It is commonly said that MTV is the number one outlet for teen news and most of the viewers are teens. Rather than using their influence to do something positive, various media source just reinforce the stereotypes.

Along with MTV, movies help to create the stereotypes. Specifically, Juice, Fresh, and Thirteen have created many stereotypes tied to race and age. Unfortunately, teen stereotype vary according to race. White teens are portrayed in negative ways such as: drug users, spoiled rich kids, rebellious, idiotic and sex crazed. In most white teen movies, the main character is a virgin and the plot is about him/her trying to lose their virginity. Hispanic teens are portrayed in movies as sex crazed, gang bangers, bullies and murderers. In movies, they are usually portrayed similar to black teens. They are put in similar situations as the black teens as well as the environments that surround them. Asian teens are portrayed in movies as quiet natured, geeks, martial artists, and virgins. In some movies, they are anti-social, losers who do not get with boys/girls; they are commonly bullied.

Shows and movies have been strong influences for a long period of time but the new modern approach is the internet. Consider Myspace.com and Facebook.com, the two sites are major teen networking spaces that allow teens to show off their photos, speak about their lifestyles and branch out into new networks. Teens often assume that this freedom is a good thing but conventional wisdom has it that large companies take advantage of them. Now, Myspace.com has become an entertainment capital filled with ads and companies that push teens to confide in a certain look or way of life. The same is not said for Facebook but with the recent sale to a major corporation, Facebook.com is following the same path as myspace.com.

Can African American Youth succeed?

FlyandFocused@gmail.com (Phil) — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 18:08:00 +0000

In recent discussions of African-American population, a controversial issue has been whether Black history shall be confined to Black History Month or extended into the regular curriculum. On the one hand, some argue that Black History month will slowly undo the damage done by Eurocentric history. Looking at the issue from this prospective, one would be in favor of keeping Black history within the month of February. In spite of this, others argue that one month of history per year is not enough for African American’s to get around the barriers and obstacles that have left them socially crippled. In the words of this views main endorser, Malcolm X, “When we send our children to school they learn nothing about us other than that we used to be cotton pickers.” The essence of Malcolm X’s argument is that the African- American youth are not directly exposed to the pleasant history of Blacks. Ultimately, the issue is whether Black History is only left to the moth of February or the school systems incorporate an Afro-centric history into the year round curriculum.

I agree that Black history should be extended beyond black history month because my experience as an African-American student confirms it. I grew up seeing only the images of George Washington and famous Caucasian explores, but not historically important Black leaders, this left me feeling lost and alienated. This lack of location within a historical plot created a stigma on me that caused me to question my chances for success in this country. In response to my limitations, I found asylum in reading out side of the school curriculum. I began my enrichment with studies of ancient Egypt, Ethiopia and ventured as far beyond Toussaint L’ouveture and the Haitian revolution. These are but a few essential examples of the many facts left out.

While African-Americans have only a few hundred years of history in America, African history dates back to thousands of years. The preferential focus on the relatively short part of the story beginning when Blacks were enslaved and dominated by whites once again makes white - not Blacks - the focus of Black history month. Incorporating Black history into the regular curriculum will successfully wipe some of the negative misconceptions that have been tied to blacks. Meanwhile white students are more prepared to respect and value Blacks' contributions today when they having a more realistic understanding of the thousands of years of Black history.

It is often said that America is a big melting pot. To be more specific, my hometown is in famous for its diversity. The reputations of both America and my home town, implies that they consist of many different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. How in the 21st century, can a place be so diverse but it’s history is not. In order to keep up with the status quo, we must incorporate the African part of history as well as the Caucasian. Clearly, the teaching of Black History must not be arbitrarily limited to Black History Month. Although some assert that that time is an issue, I contend that we have it within our power to use time any way we like, because, as Albert Einstein proved, time is not a constant. More thorough teaching of Black History will lead to a positive outcome. As I learned by independent study, Students, Blacks, whites and others will realize that the history of Blacks is much more than the history of Black struggle in the United States of America.